A Message from the Executive Director

As we reach the midpoint of another exciting summer here at the Chapman School of Seamanship, I’m proud to share the continued momentum and meaningful progress happening across our campus and programs. This month, we celebrate a major milestone -128 students have already completed our Youth Basic Boating Course, earning their Florida Safe Boater Course Card. It’s a powerful reminder that boating education saves lives and opens doors.

We’re also expanding our commitment to environmental stewardship, thanks to a new partnership with the Hobe Sound Nature Center, which brings local environmental education into our youth curriculum. Plus, we’re taking steps toward sustainability with the use of reef-safe sunscreen from Stream2Sea (use code CHAPMANSCHOOL at checkout for 10% off).

Chapman Staff Profile: Renee Booth

Director of Development

This month, we proudly feature Renee Booth, Chapman School of Seamanship’s Director of Development. Renee joined the team in March 2025 and brings a strong background in nonprofit development, donor relations, and community engagement.

As Director of Development, Renee leads initiatives to strengthen partnerships, grow fundraising efforts, and support the advancement of Chapman School’s mission. Her dedication and enthusiasm play a vital role in sustaining and expanding our programs.

Outside of work, Renee enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and enjoying Florida’s natural beauty. We’re thrilled to have her passion and leadership helping move Chapman forward.



Safe Boating Tip: Know the Right of Way Are You Meeting, Crossing, or Overtaking?

Understanding navigation rules is essential to avoiding collisions and operating your vessel safely. Here are the three most common situations and how to handle them:

• Meeting (Head-On): When two vessels approach each other head-on, both should alter course to starboard (right) so they pass port-to-port (left side to left side).
• Crossing: When two vessels are on paths that cross, the vessel on the right (starboard side) is the stand-on vessel and should maintain its course and speed. The vessel on the left (port side) is the give-way vessel and must yield and take early action to avoid a collision.
• Overtaking: If you are approaching another vessel from behind, you are the give-way vessel and must keep clear. You may overtake on either side, but you must do so safely and responsibly. The overtaken vessel should maintain course and speed.

Tip: Always operate at a safe speed, stay alert, and be courteous. When in doubt, communicate clearly and take early action to avoid risk.

Tech Tips from Yamaha Master Technician Shane Bowlin

Battery Management While Fishing with Engines Off

When fishing at anchor or drifting with your outboard engines turned off, proper battery management is essential to avoid power loss and ensure your engine starts reliably when it's time to head in. Here are Shane’s top tips:

• Monitor Battery Usage: Track how long electronics like radios, GPS, and pumps are running on battery power alone.
• Use Dual Battery Systems: Isolate a dedicated “house” battery for accessories, preserving your starting battery.
• Install a Battery Switch: Manage draw between starting and house batteries for more control at anchor.
• Minimize Unnecessary Loads: Turn off lights and devices you don’t need.
• Start and Recharge Periodically: Run the engine occasionally to recharge if anchored for long periods.
• Ensure Connections Are Clean and Tight: Corroded or loose terminals can prevent your battery from delivering power when you need it most.

Smart battery habits = safe and stress-free fishing trips!

New Courses Coming This Fall!

ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology

This innovative program will prepare students for future careers in marine service technology, emphasizing safety, technical proficiency, and practical skills aligned with industry standards.

NMEA Basic Marine Installer Training (BMEI)

This course is suitable for marine electronic installers, engine mechanics, boat builders, riggers, product designers, surveyors, etc. This is an introductory course in marine electronics installation that clarifies and defines competent installation practices.

Basic NMEA 2000^® Installer Training

This course is designed for the beginner or those who have been installing NMEA 2000^® but would like more information, clarity, and an opportunity to share ideas with others who have installed NMEA 2000^® networks.

Recent Graduations and Valedictorians

Congratulations to our most recent Chapman School graduates! Last Friday, we proudly celebrated the graduation of 9 Yacht and Small Craft Survey students. Your dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail are a credit to the maritime surveying community.

Special recognition goes to our valedictorian, who demonstrated outstanding academic performance and leadership throughout the program:

• Yacht and Small Craft Survey Valedictorian: William Giesecke Jr.

We wish all our graduates continued success and fair winds as they embark on new opportunities in the marine industry!

Summer Youth Boating Program - 2025 Schedule

Chapman’s 2025 Summer Youth Basic Boating Program is officially SOLD OUT, but we have a few spots left in our Summer Youth Advanced Program!

Advanced Schedule:

Course # | Start Date | End Date

01-25 | 07/14/25 | 07/18/25

02-25 | 07/21/25 | 07/25/25

Program Details:

• Classes run Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
• Advanced Navigational Rules, including vessel day and night markings.
• Navigation, chart reading, dead reckoning, compass, time, speed, distance, latitude, and longitude.
• Basic marine electronics.

Register up here before it's too late!

You Can Shape the Next Generation of Mariners!

As a Chapman graduate, your story is part of our legacy, and we couldn’t be prouder of where your journey has taken you. Now, we’re inviting you to help others follow in your wake.

We’ve launched the Chapman School of Seamanship Alumni Legacy Fund, a new initiative that provides assistance for youth, veterans, and aspiring mariners who need financial support to attend Chapman. Your donation—no matter the size—will help launch the next generation of skilled, confident mariners.

To donate to the Alumni Legacy Fund, please click the Donate button below and follow the prompts to direct your gift accordingly.

We’re also excited to announce that, coming soon, Chapman will be able to accept gifts of appreciated stock, which may offer significant tax advantages. If this is something you’d like to explore, we would be happy to discuss options and show you other ways to support our mission.

For more information, contact Renee Booth at r.booth@chapman.org or call (772) 210-4711.

Stay Connected With Chapman!